Amazon MGM Studios’ “Another Simple Favor” is set to kick off the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival, marking the return for helmer Paul Feig to the Austin-based fest.

The sequel to 2018’s “A Simple Favor” reunites Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in their roles as unlikely besties Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson. This time, the duo jets to the sun-drenched shores of Capri, where Emily’s nuptials to an Italian tycoon set the stage for what promises to be a wedding thriller peppered with surprising twists and turns along the way. 

The pic’s heavyweight ensemble includes Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, and Elizabeth Perkins, with Michele Morrone, Alex Newell, Henry Golding, and Oscar winner Allison Janney rounding out the cast. Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis penned the script, building on Darcey Bell’s original characters.

Feig, whose relationship with SXSW dates back to crowd-pleasers like “Bridesmaids” (2011) and “Spy” (2015), produces through his Feigco Entertainment banner alongside Laura Fischer. Jennifer Booth, Sharzer, and Marco Valerio Pugini serve as exec producers on the Lionsgate production.

The selection signals a strong start for SXSW’s 32nd edition, which previously announced “The Studio” as its Opening Night TV Premiere. The fest, which has evolved into a crucial launching pad for spring and summer releases, continues its tradition of merging film, television, music, and comedy.

Additional film announcements are expected to drop on February 5, as the festival gears up for what organizers promise will be a packed slate showcasing emerging talents alongside established industry players.

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